One&Only Palmilla begins a major golf renovation in Los Cabos as Arroyo stays open

One&Only Palmilla Golf Club is undergoing a major renovation in Los Cabos, Mexico. The resort confirms that it is working with Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design on a broad transformation of its historic facility in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. For anyone planning a round, the most immediate consequence is access: the Arroyo nine remains playable, while the Mountain and Ocean nines are closed for the first phase. The club has not shut down altogether, but its traditional 27-hole offering is temporarily unavailable.

A rebuild of the championship golf. Jack Nicklaus designed the original Mountain and Arroyo nines, which debuted in 1993; the Ocean nine followed in 1999. Golf director Lloyd Walton told Mexico News Daily, in an interview published on October 5, that all 18 championship holes on Mountain and Arroyo are being comprehensively modernized. The work includes Tahoma 31 Bermuda turf, greens rebuilt to current USGA specifications, new tees and bunkers, revised playing corridors, rebuilt paths and a complete replacement of irrigation and drainage. Fry/Straka's stated approach is to preserve the strategic character of the Nicklaus design while upgrading playing surfaces and infrastructure.

A new purpose for Ocean. Plans replace the old Ocean configuration with a nine-hole par-3 experience and an eight-hole short course. Shorter formats can offer a different way to enjoy the terrain, especially for wedge practice, quick rounds and mixed-skill groups. The practice area is also due for a rebuild, adding target greens and dedicated short-game zones. These are planned improvements—not facilities already available to book.

The expected timetable. The current target is to finish Mountain, Ocean and the revamped practice facilities by the end of 2027. Arroyo would then undergo its own renovation, with the full 18 championship holes targeted for completion by the end of 2028. These are expectations rather than guaranteed opening dates; construction and turf establishment may affect the schedule.

Who can play now? One&Only confirms that guests can still enjoy Arroyo and temporary practice facilities. Golf access during the renovation is for club members and registered guests of One&Only Palmilla, not unrestricted public tee-time play. Players may complete the open nine once or twice, depending on availability. Anyone organizing a golf holiday should verify tee times and the current routing directly with the club. Its published location is Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Why the project matters. Palmilla played a formative role in establishing Los Cabos as a golf destination. Its renovation combines the restoration of a landmark championship design with a move toward more flexible, shorter and practice-focused golf. The immediate reality is limited access; the expanded experience remains under construction.

Sources: One&Only Palmilla official resort information; Mexico News Daily interview with the golf director, published October 5, 2026. Photograph: archival view of Palmilla Golf taken in 2005, not a depiction of the current renovation. JAGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; unchanged image.